7 Tips for Picture-Perfect Wedding Reception Tables
As a Certified Wedding Planner and Event Designer, it’s my job to ensure that your wedding looks intentional and cohesive. From the ceremony space to your reception hall, curating the right look is so important; you don’t want clashing elements or something that looks incomplete.
Styling your reception tables can be as simple as placing linens and candles, or you can choose to spend a little extra time on the details to create a standout design. I recently hosted a styled shoot where creating the tablescape proved to be one of the most fun challenges.
The styled shoot was hosted at the Barn at Stoney Hills in Cushing, Minnesota. My goal was to showcase the venue with what I called “Rustic Charm” — a vision of delicate pinks, dusty greenery, gold accents, and romantic details. I loved getting creative and searching for the right elements to bring my vision to life, and with the right mix of rentals, the tablescape was perfect!
To help you create your own Pinterest-worthy wedding reception tables, I’m sharing 7 must-know decor tips!
Rustic Charm Tablescape // Alyssa Rados Photo
Rustic Charm Tablescape // Alyssa Rados Photo
7 tips for creating picture-perfect tablescapes:
For venues that don’t allow real candles, add candle stands or hurricane vases to make flameless LEDs more elegant.
Incorporate colors you want guests to remember when they think of your wedding. By including small touches of color on each table, your chosen colors will stand out once you’ve set all the tables in the room. Add more colorful elements or use bolder hues for greater impact.
Upgrade your plateware, utensils, and charger plates. As something that goes at every place setting, this will quickly change the look & feel of the room. A more affordable option is to upgrade only the head table.
Mix textures and fabrics to add contrast and visual interest. Try varying weights of table linens and napkins, add textured chargers under your dinner plates, and weave different elements into your floral arrangements. Here, we added blooms made of sola wood, tucked into a faux eucalyptus runner. Other fun options could be feathers, ferns, pinecones, succulents & ribbon!
Find the right balance of decor to create a beautiful display without overpowering the table. A good rule of thumb is to try to use no more than ~1/3 of the tabletop for design elements — plates should have a few inches of space around them and remember, guests still need to set their drinks down!
Make a statement with your napkin fold. For this shoot, we used loose knots for a soft and romantic feel, whereas a pocket fold or napkin roll and ring could add a more formal feel.
Add final touches to each place setting such as place cards, menus, or individual favors. Adding personalized details shows the care you’ve put into planning your event and will make your guests feel appreciated. Plus, it adds another excuse for them to snap and share a photo!
There are sooooo many ways to style a table and the inspiration is endless! Whatever look you’re going for, have fun trying different elements, and be patient while building your vision. The end result will be worth it!
See more fun details from the Rustic Charm styled shoot below!
Photos in the gallery were taken by Vanessa Lee Photo.
Did you know the owner and lead planner at HappiLily Events, Lily Hansen, is a Master Certified Wedding Planner? She is also certified in Event Design by the Certified Wedding Planner Society.
Rustic Charm Styled Shoot // Creative Vendor Team:
Planning + Design | @HappiLilyEvents
Assistant Coordinator | @alyssaradosphoto
Venue | @thebarnatstoneyhills
Lead Photographer | @alyssaradosphoto
Second Photographer | @VanessaLeePhotoMN
Videographer | @preciousfilm.co
Hair | @the_hairmethod
Makeup | @theGlamourRanch
Florist | @DixieLuxe
Baker | @sugardustandsprinkles
Mobile Bar Cart | @MinneBarGo
Stationery | @katharine_watson // @Minted
Styling Mats | @holland_dee_design
Rental Signage | @borrowed.beginnings
Table Settings | @apreseventandtent
Bridal Dress | @celebrationsbridalsc
Tux | @dapperanddashingco // @savviformalwear
Garter | @gartergirl
Earring Designer | @honeybeeclayco
A perfectly-decorating reception table // Alyssa Rados Photo
